I Love My Church - Everyone's Called to Follow Through
August 31, 2024

EVERYONE’S CALLED TO FOLLOW-THROUGH!

Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. - Ephesians 5:25 CEV

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Mark 1:9-11 NIV

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” - Luke 15:7 NIV


BAPTISM PRECURSORS

A. Passing Through The

Reveal Answer
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B. Passing Through The

Reveal Answer
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And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’” - Joshua 3:7-8 NIV


C. Passing Through The

Reveal Answer
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D. Passing Through The

Reveal Answer
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So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. - 2 Kings 5:14 NIV “I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you.” - Ezekiel 36:25-27 NIV


NEW TESTAMENT BAPTISM

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” - Matthew 28:18-19 NIV

“Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 2:37-38 NIV

God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 3:20-21 NIV

All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:3-4 NIV

“What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” - Acts 22:16 NIV

DISCUSSION GUIDE

  1. Describe a time when you started something but you didn’t finish?
  2. Why is follow-through so important to any endeavor?
  3. The Israelites left the bondage of the Egyptians. If you can relate your baptism as escaping the bondage of your past, please share your story.
  4. When God parted the Jordan River for Joshua, the Israelites entered their long-awaited Promise Land. What was it like for you after your baptism—and entering into the Promise of God? Describe any changes in your life.
  5. If you haven’t placed your faith in Christ through baptism, why not?
  6. What practical steps can you take to follow God’s will for your life—and taking your next steps?
  7. Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?